"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Damascus -- St. Ananias Chapel

A short walk from St. Paul's Chapel and Bab Kissan is St. Ananias Chapel.


"The House of Saint Ananias (also called Chapel of Saint Ananias) (Arabic: كنيسة القديس حنانيا‎) is the ancient house of Saint Ananias, in the old Christian quarter of Damascus, Syria. It is believed to be the house where Ananias baptized Saul (who became Paul the Apostle)." Source


Read in order - Arab-style: right to left


"Located near Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate), at the very end of the Street Called Straight. Five metres below ground level, the church is supposedly the cellar of the House of Ananias, but more likely it is built at the level of the Roman street. The church, which has been restored many times, is the only early Christian house of worship from the first century to survive in the city." Source


"A simple structure consisting of two small rooms with bare stone walls, it houses only an altar, some icons and a few pews. The icons tell the story of the conversion of Paul. It represents the simplicity of the initial Christians and is one of the earliest churches still standing where services continue to be held to this day." Source


Here is a closer view of the area behind Andrew and Samer . . .


People leave pictures and papers, I'm assuming prayer requests here.


Here is a map of Paul's missionary journeys


I signed the guest book

Time to hit the road.

Pictures from Damascus, Syria
January 30, 2009

1 comment:

Joni said...

So the church is supposed to be Ananias' house - where he prayed for Saul/Paul's blindness? How awesome was that? To be there? How far down is 5 meters? one story?
And what kind of icons were there? Any of Saul's or Ananias' bones? How completely interesting!